11 minute read
Women to Watch: be inspired
Women to Watch
Inspiring stories by amazing women
Anna Allington Oath Home
Anna, founder of Oath Home, works with companies that face huge quantities of unused endof-project fabric. She provides an alternative solution to disposal or destruction from industries such as interior design, hotel refurbishment, film and network production, fabric manufacturing, and even retail. Anna and her team create handmade pieces with this fabric. Oath Home donates its profits to the charity Step-by-Step. We asked Anna why this charity was chosen? “Our first fabric donation was from a home refurbishment for foreign royalty. It made sense to use the offcuts from luxury houses to raise money for those who don’t even have a home”.
oathhome.co.uk | @oathhomeltd Lucy Jane Atkinson Theatre Director
Think of me as a therapist for imaginary people. As a new writing director and dramaturg, I help writers and actors figure out how their characters think. At heart my job is to help writers express the purest version of their idea, then translate that truthfully and imaginatively to the stage. I am passionate about creating inclusive work. This year I have 3 projects which centre disabled characters and creatives, with the aim of making the theatrical experience accessible to all audiences. My work has won awards on both sides of the Atlantic, but I feel blessed to be from London, the world capital of new writing.
lucyjaneatkinson.com | @lucypapoosky
Anita Feron Clark multi-awardwinning Stylist
Anita runs a successful image consultancy business Feron Clark Style which aims to inspire women to look and feel fabulous everyday with their own tool kit of colour and style advice. She offers daily tips and tricks to her followers on Instagram. Anita tailors her services to accurately reflect what each woman needs to enable them to transform their lives and boost their confidence. Whether that’s through colour, style, wardrobe or menopause guidance. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 27 years, and over those years she’s worked with over 4,700 women.
feronclarkstyle.com | @feronclarkstyle Jo Holland is an Artist, Curator, and a qualified Meditation Teacher
Jo’s artwork redefines photography in a way that engages people’s perspectives by creating timeless, transformative pieces. With nature as her muse, she blends the realms of analogue and digital processes, often without a camera or film, to produce work that is both impactful yet versatile. Intuitively exploring creativity through meditation and yoga, her mindful processes bear fruit to art that stimulates the viewer to reconnect with the oneness of self and their surroundings, celebrating beauty and grace. Currently exhibiting at The Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
joholland.com | @joholland_uk
Cynthia Valianti Corbett, Director and Curator, Cynthia Corbett Gallery & Young Masters Art Prize
Cynthia opened her art gallery in 2004 after training as an art historian at Christie’s Education. Prior to that she was an international economist specialising in emerging markets. Her career in art has been equally impressive. She was awarded the 2020 Tufts University Alumni Award with a Career Service Citation in recognition of her achievements and contribution to the international art world. She launched Young Masters Art Prize in 2009, a unique not-for-profit initiative which celebrates artistic skill and innovation. The Young Masters Ceramics Prize was created in 2014 and in 2017 saw the addition of the Young Masters Emerging Women Artist Award. Her most recent art project Focus on the Female aims to support women artists at a critical moment in art history.
thecynthiacorbettgallery.com | @cynthiacorbettgallery
Lulu & Emily Beard Lulu B Jewellery
The motherdaughter dream team seized the opportunity of Covid-19 by joining forces and transforming Lulu B Jewellery from a pop-up on the fair circuit to lulub.co.uk; a one-stop-jewellery-shop catering for all women of all ages! Lulu launched Lulu B in 2002, with the vision of curating an affordable collection of timeless jewellery which transcends fashion. 20 years on the business is growing from strength to strength with Lulu and Emily harnessing their complementary skill sets. Lulu, formerly a buyer for M&S, predominantly deals with suppliers, fair organisers, and the product, and Emily has joined the team full-time to head-up e-commerce, marketing, and PR opportunities.
lulub.co.uk | @lulubjewellery Jane Evans and Carol Russell championing women in midlife
Jane and Carol are two trailblazers hell-bent on championing the accomplishments and unlocking the potential of midlife women. Their inspirational manifesto Invisible to Invaluable celebrates midlife women’s skills and empowers readers to achieve their goals. Coming from the first generation of dedicated career-women, advertising guru Jane and screenwriter Carol faced professional erasure as they approached midlife. Not on their watch. Through their manifesto and Jane’s Uninvisibility project, they are increasing representation of midlife women in mainstream media and beyond. Together, they are rewriting the narrative for midlife women everywhere and showing the world how invaluable they truly are.
@janeelondon | @carolrussell2 | @uninvisibility
Joanna Sanderson Creative Director of Zena & Rose
Zena & Rose is a design studio retailing collections of patterned homeware and licensing designs. The hero products are cushion covers and lampshades, with plans to expand into fabrics and wallpaper.
Joanna’s knowledge of interior design history is the foundation of her business, which she acquired working for 10 years in the museum and heritage sector. Her mission is to make original products influenced by interior design heritage, yet making them appeal to contemporary tastes. Zena & Rose’s values are based on environmental sustainability, achieved through careful selection of suppliers and materials.
zenaandrose.com | @zena_and_rose
Riding with Ali Lindeman
Busy mum of three Ali Lindeman first used indoor cycling as a remedy for her own physical and mental health after she felt lost in the daily slog of life at home with small children. At age 38 Ali retrained as an instructor, hoping to share the same confidence, strength and empowerment she felt in the studio with others. Today Ali teaches both performance and rhythm-based cycling classes.“I am blessed. This work brings me so much joy and fits around the demands of my growing family,” she says. For Ali, indoor cycling is more than exercise, it is about community, encouragement and working towards a common goal, regardless of age or ability. Ride with Ali is at Bounce Cycling Studio in New Malden. The first of its kind in the area, this pay-as-you-go studio offers great music, industry leading Stages bikes and software, and a variety of class types is perfect from the beginner spinner to the pro cyclist.
bouncegym.co.uk | @bounce_cyclestudio
Sara Wilcox Founder of Pathways Through Dementia
My inspiration to found a charity helping people to navigate the legal and financial complexities of the dementia journey arose through these personal experiences: my mother having to give up work to care for my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease; a call I received in 2003 from a HR manager who wanted someone to give a talk to her employees on Dementia and Planning Ahead and my extensive and varied professional experiences with people living with dementia and their carers. In response to the need for clear information about dementia and the law, I registered my charity, Pathways Through Dementia, in 2013.
pathwaysthroughdementia.org Julianna Heale & Caroline King Founders of CIRCLE Preloved Fashion Boutique
As well as discovering uncanny connections, in their personal lives and careers, Julianna & Caroline both shared a lifelong dream of having a shop one day. Never did they imagine, when they were introduced four years ago, that they would become such great friends and fulfil their mutual ambition together. Both former shopaholics with careers in retail, from buying to management, their dream came true in February when CIRCLE opened its doors in Haslemere, Surrey. The boutique has had an overwhelming response with local support for their carefully curated preloved pieces. Their aim is to advocate a more sustainable way of buying and enjoying fashion by encouraging circularity and buying preloved. Shop at CIRCLE Haslemere
@juliannaheale | @carolineswardrobe1
Marileen Koppenberg Life and Career Coach
After nearly two decades in the corporate world, Marileen, mother of two, retrained as a life and career coach. Warm, compassionate and intuitive, she connects easily with her clients and co-creates an atmosphere of trust and partnership. Through bespoke coaching, her clients not only get clarity on themselves, on their deep longing, be it personal or professional but also on what really stands in the way. They develop a vision of what is possible, from the inside out. Marileen fosters with her clients a sense of self trust and conscious choice. Shifts and changes start to happen and take shape. As a coach, it is a true gift and honour to witness.
mkcoaching.co.uk | @Marileenkcoaching
Carly Webb - Founder of Vitus Wellbeing
Carly’s highly regarded solo psychotherapy practice began in South-West London, supporting adults and adolescents with their mental health. Over the years, requests to see her increased significantly, exacerbated by the pandemic and the sharp decline in the nation’s mental health.
Concerned about a lengthening waiting list, Carly founded Vitus Wellbeing in April last year. She pulled together a trusted team of expert practitioners and now offers therapy to many more children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. With expertise in working with stress, depression, anxiety, bereavement, abuse, relationship difficulties and more, her Fulham-based team serve the residents of SouthWest London and beyond. Clients can choose between face-to-face or online sessions, at daytime or evening. info@vituswellbeing.com
vituswellbeing.com | @vituswellbeing
Natasha Mahtani Divorce Coach
Post-divorce life does not have to be as hard or as difficult as you imagine it. Getting over your divorce doesn’t need to take years and the life of your dreams is closer than you think, because YOU have the ability to create it, here and now.
As an accredited divorce coach, I help my clients create a shortcut to manifesting their post-divorce dream life by working on three main things: selfworth, energy and mindset. If you’re ready to heal, to level up and to create your second act, then I’d love to invite you to book a free call with me to explore how 1:1 coaching can help you. thrive@natashamahtani.com
natashamahtani.com | natashacoaches Emma Post and Nicki Beale Specialist Family Lawyers
Emma and Nicki have combined family law experience of 40+ years. “We launched our firm, NE Family Law, in November 2021. Having worked together for many years, we decided to launch a practice focussing on what matters to us - building trust and working with clients as a team - to navigate them through highly challenging times.” Emma lives in Richmond and is kept on her toes with two young sons and Cockerpoo, Monty. Nicki lives in West Sussex and has two daughters, the youngest nearing the end of her university education, and both looking to forge their own careers. ne-familylaw.co.uk
Dr Charlotte Rayner Cancer Specialist
Having achieved a high success and national recognition for her patient-centric and holistic approach, Dr Charlotte Rayner has performed a large number of successful procedures for cancer treatment. She now works solely in private practice and is the responsible officer for Aspen Healthcare Ltd. She runs a rapid access service at Parkside Hospital, Wimbledon, that includes acute admissions and clinics for patients presenting with both general medical and respiratory symptoms including possible cancer. She works closely with the oncology team both on the ward and in the Cancer Centre providing expert general medical and respiratory assessment and treatment advice.
cancercentrelondon.co.uk | @cancercentrelondon
Lynsey Coleman Senior Marketing Manager, Centre Court
Lynsey, originally from Sussex, with a degree in politics and a passion for marketing, is the marketing manager for Centre Court during it’s transition from a 90’s shopping centre to a community hub. Her job is integral to the revival of Centre Court and how the people of Wimbledon are inspired to revisit a place that was once much loved but has faded over the years. As part of the Romulus team, Lynsey puts the community at the forefront of the plans for the Centre and as a long-time Wimbledon local is invested in the success of the redevelopment for the benefit of the town. Her creativity and dedication keeps the centre alive with a feast of sustainable but fantastical events to come throughout the year.
centrecourtshopping.co.uk | @lynseycoleman
Sara Challice award-winning Author & Speaker
Sara cared for her husband for many years, after he became severely disabled from a brain tumour. Due to the stress and burden of caring for him, she fell ill herself, but then discovered new ways in which to look after herself and enjoy life, as she continued to care. Sharing her insight, wisdom and stories, she inspires carers globally to look after their own health and enjoy life. Her Carers Masterclass course is out now, and she also gives talks to the those in the care sector on how carers can be best supported. “I am passionate in transforming the lives of carers and raising the value of care.”
You can order her book ‘Who Cares?’ on Amazon. https://bit.ly/whocaresbook
whocares4carers.com | @SaraChallice Nicci Dhamu Jewellery Designer
London based and Kenya born designer Nicci founded Sohavi online in 2015. Sohavi means beautiful in Gurmukhi. It’s Jewellery with soul that embodies grace, style and the alchemy of philosophical ideas, imbued into metals. Responsibly sourced, skilfully crafted in sterling silver and with 22K Gold Vermeil, by artisans in Jaipur India. Sohavi also has a natural gemstone Mala bead collection with signature luxurious silky tassels, designed from the heart, finished by hand.
We’re showcasing eclectic design with heritage influences connecting today with a modern twist on iconic ancient designs which express the brand ethos of positive energy and oneness.
sohavi.com | @sohavi
Professor Sarah Barman - Kingston University
A computer science expert whose research could lead to potentially lifesaving early and better diagnosis of certain cancers and heart disease. Professor Barman was named the second annual winner of the Kingston University Woman in STEM Award. She was nominated for the award by colleagues in recognition of the impact of her research, being an ambassador for research excellence and inspiring colleagues and academics around the world. The annual accolade, recognises a woman academic or professional staff member whose outstanding work has made a real difference in their field.
“It’s important that women like me, researching and working in STEM subjects, are more visible so that it normalises women being in science’ Professor Barman tweeted.
